Anna Paulson
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Saints or sinners? Angels or abusers? Devotion or deceit?
These are the three questions posed in the trailer for the upcoming FX’s The Secrets of Hillsong documentary, which they produced in association with Vanity Fair, whose original reporting on the Hillsong scandals over the years led to the creation of the series.
While preaching about the wrongness of homosexuality, pornography, and more, Hillsong Church was hiding their own sins.
In the documentary, shocking secrets are revealed, as it exposes Hillsong’s covered-up abuse scandals, money laundering, infidelity, sexual misconduct (including child sexual abuse), and more.
Find out all about the shocking documentary The Secrets of Hillsong documentary below.
What is Hillsong Church?
Award-winning Hillsong Church is a global charismatic Christian megachurch originally started in Australia as part of the Australian Christian Churches.
Since separating to create its own unique brand of Christianity, Hillsong Church has since stretched into countries across the world.
What is the Documentary About the Hillsong Scandal?
The Secrets of Hillsong is the most recent documentary revealing the discretions of Hillsong, following 2022’s documentary, Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed.
Producers interviewed many people associated with them, including former pastor Carl Lentz, whose dismissal only seemed to be the start of an unraveling web of deceit.
Which Pastor Was Removed From Hillsong?
Carl Lentz, a popular church pastor, was removed from Hillsong Church in November 2020 following the realization that he was unfaithful to his wife, Laura.
He was fired by Brian Houston, Hillsong Global pastor, for “leadership issues and breaches of trust, plus a recent revelation of moral failures.”
Almost two years later, Lentz spoke out for the first time about the sex scandals on Instagram, saying, “It’s been a challenging road but we are alive, we are at peace and thanks to the grace of God we are TOGETHER. Not sure what the future holds for us, but we do know that we face it as a family, and for that I am so thankful.”
Lentz finally got his chance to say even more of his peace in The Secrets of Hillsong documentary series.
In an article published by Rolling Stone on May 15, 2023, he’s quoted as saying in the documentary, “I am responsible for allowing an inappropriate relationship to develop in my house, with someone that worked for us,” referring to the family nanny whom he had sex with. “Any notion of abuse is categorically false. There were mutual adult decisions made by two people who lied profusely – mainly to my wife.”
What Are the Allegations Against the Leader of Hillsong?
It isn’t just the mighty pastor with his famous sermons who was removed from Hillsong, but the renowned church’s leader and founder, Brian Houston, wasn’t so innocent either, no matter what he posed in his outward ministry.
Houston resigned in 2022 after it was announced that an investigation into several accusations revealed his inappropriate behavior toward two women.
It seems as though it’s running through the line of leadership. His resignation was just the latest after years of faults against the popular church and is a big part that has played in the question of why did Hillsong Church collapse.
It tarnished the reputation of the once beloved and seemingly perfect church.
Why is Hillsong Church Being Investigated?
The documentary delves into another issue surrounding the multi-thousand-member church.
Hillsong Church obviously already has several strikes against them, but some of the most recent investigations into the church, as released by The Guardian in March of this year, are that of allegations that the megachurch was involved in money laundering and tax evasion.
Why is Hillsong no Longer on TV?
The revelations about accusations of Brian Huston’s abuse led to Hillsong’s being taken off TV.
The Trinity Broadcasting Network changed its Hillsong Channel to TBN Inspire following the allegations, and thus, Hillsong Live is no more.
Does Hillsong Church Still Exist?
Despite the allegations, scandals, and even the lost television airtime, Hillsong Church still exists.
It has a global presence in multiple churches and ministries across many countries, including Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Canada, Brazil, Uruguay, and more.
Where Can I Watch The Secrets of Hillsong Documentary?
The first two episodes of the four-part investigative docuseries will air on FX on Friday, May 19, 2023. Those who miss it will be able to stream them on Hulu starting Saturday, May 20.
You can watch the 2022 Hillsong documentary Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed, on Discovery Plus.
Hillsong Documentary Review
Critic Nick Schager of The Daily Beast has this to say: “Per modern docuseries convention, The Secrets of Hillsong runs at least one episode too long. Regardless, it’s a comprehensive overview of a reprehensible situation that often plays out in the religious world – one in which power, wealth, and sex, rather than biblical standards of benevolence, generosity, and selflessness, are the prime motivators of those claiming to have a direct line to God.”
Viewers will just have to learn about the truth about Hillsong Church for themselves and make their own decision. The mini television series premieres May 19, 2023.
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